When we created Black Girls RUN! in 2009, we had no idea that we were igniting a movement that would touch the lives of thousands of women across the country. We wanted to share our love of running with others, while directly addressing the health and well-being of our community. And, we've been able to accomplish that and so much more.

Each day, our amazing 200+ ambassadors work tirelessly to support and encourage women in their community to lace up their shoes, put one foot in front of the other, to not just log miles, but to put themselves first and to rightfully reclaim their health and their lives. Our 225,000+ members show up loud and proud rocking their BGR! gear to weekly group runs and races around the world -- crushing obstacles, changing the narrative and most importantly supporting each other through all of lives ups and downs. Both setting a great example and foundation for generations to come.

For 9 years we've been vessels of this movement, and today we are excited to announce a new chapter of the organization. Jay Ell Alexander will be the new owner and CEO of Black Girls RUN!. For many years Jay Ell has stood beside us building and growing this community. But she has been more than a colleague. She's become family. Without a doubt in our minds, she's the perfect person to carry on the legacy of Black Girls RUN!

We always knew that the day would come when it was time for us to continue fulfilling our purpose beyond the four walls of Black Girls RUN! and we couldn't be more excited about what the future holds, for us, Jay Ell and the BGR! Nation.

Today we stand as two immensely proud and grateful women. We'll forever be indebted to our ambassadors (past and present) and run coordinators for being the backbone of the organization, and to our members for supporting our vision and each other.

With Jay Ell's leadership, we know that the legacy of Black Girls RUN! will continue on and that it will thrive in ways that we could never have imagined. As we pass the torch on, we will be forever grateful for all of the miles, heart and soul each and every one of you have poured into Black Girls RUN! But there’s still more to do, so many more lives to touch, and so many more miles to run. Keeping running, keep pushing the boundaries, and continue to preserve the sexy.

With love,

Toni & Ashley

Jay Ell Alexander

Author

43 Responses

Dionne Hallback

April 20, 2018

Thank you for your vision! Blessings to the both of you! Congrats Jay Ell!

Gina Pierce

April 20, 2018

Thank you Toni and Ashley for creating Black Girls Run! BGR! truly started me on a running/fitness journey that I never would have imaged without the support and friendship of my “sole sisters”. Congratulations Jay Ell! #BGRforlive

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April 19, 2018

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Jackie

April 18, 2018

Thank-you Toni and Ashley for sharing your passion of running with the nation and showing us that Black Girls RUN! It is because of you, I have met many beautiful and remarkable women within the community. It’s refreshing to get together and know we all have a common goal and that is our health. Best wishes in your new endeavors we know you will Rock It! Congratulations Jay Ell! I know you will carry the torch and continue this great movement to even greater heights. I’m excited about the future of Black Girls RUN! Love you all! Proud Past Ambassador from Southern MD Chapter.

Nana Serwa Wiafe

April 18, 2018

Running saved my life after my divorced in 2013 and BGR provided the sisterhood and tribe I will forever cheished. Thank you.

Donna Bell

April 18, 2018

Never ever would have run a full marathon at the age of 60. This movement has extended my life, improved my health and created a kindred relationship with phenomenal women. Many thanks Ashley and Toni for your vision and dedication. Sending encouragement to Jay to keep the momentum going.

Ella Coffey

April 18, 2018

Tony and Ashley, i will never forget that 1st annual banquet and the race where BGR literally took over Atlanta. The helecopters were flying over our heads and the news media was in a frenzy…BGR BLEW UP!
It was an epic moment! The Grace of God Was With This Movement.

I pray the new leadership will take us higher. BGR, is

Cheryl Baker

April 18, 2018

Thank you Toni and Ashley for this great work! BGR!, specifically, BGR! Chicago has literally been a life-giver to me. Blessings to each of you as you move into new chapters in your respective lives.

Congratulations Jay Ell! I know there is still great work to be done by BGR! as well as great successes to be experienced by many.

May you always have the strength, power and peace you need to accomplish the BGR! vision and mission.

Lavinia

April 18, 2018

Toni & Ashley, THANK YOU for your vision. CONGRATULATIONS Jay Ell.

Karmyn

April 18, 2018

Sad to see Toni & Ashley move on; but ecstatic for the evolution of BGR, next chapter, and more MILES! Thank you Toni & Ashley for you dedication and vision!

Saundra Johnson

April 18, 2018

Thank you ladies for having the initial vision! Thank you for an opportunity that a lot of ladies would have never considered without this movement! We are excited for Jay Ell!!!

Mom!

April 18, 2018

Luv you much!
Always behind you except in a race!

B Renee Brown

April 18, 2018

Thank you Ashley & Toni for your vision….I would NEVER ran anywhere!!! To the table, and now I take charge of my health! Congratulations Jay Ell! Best to you LADIES….BGR 4Life

Kerrill Brown

April 18, 2018

Thank you Toni and Ashley for starting this movement. I have accomplished running goals that I never imagined
I have met so many wonderful ladies through this BGR movement
God bless the both of you
Congrats Jay Ell, I know you will continue the great movement of BGR!!!!!

Lyne

April 18, 2018

Wishing you both continued success with you new ventures. I appreciate BGR for helping to kick off my fitness journey. I now have many friends that I have met with through the years because of your vision. Thank you.

Kengi Stevenson

April 18, 2018

Thank you’ll so much for bringing truth to the the platform! Thank you’ll for created a this group!! I’ve learned and gain so much!!

Sameerah Mills

April 18, 2018

Thanks Toni and Ashley for all that you’ve sacrificed and done for the BGR nation. Thanks for the vision and new friends we’ve made along the way.
Congratulations Jay Ell!!!! Looking forward to continuing the movement with you 🏃🏾‍♀️

Ingrid

April 18, 2018

Glad to be on this journey with you ladies. And i want to thank you, Toni and Ashley for introducing this sport and opening up more to esp to the Black community that there is more to do than just the ordinary. It has taken us places that would not have imagine to explore. So thank you for dream and your widsom to keep us moving. It keeps me conscious that i still have more work to do to get me to my best health. Congratulations to you and hope to still see you one more time on the pavement in a city soon. Blessings

LaTiffany S

April 18, 2018

Thanks Toni and Ashley! Congratulations Jay Ell

Dolores Lewis

April 18, 2018

Thank you Toni and Ashley your vision coming to past I have met some Amazing women that we are all BGR sisters. Your legacy will always remain strong. Be blessed as your new chapter begins. Congrats to Jay Eli for continuing the vision of BGR and we all will continue and strive to Preserve the Sexy- BRG!! Be Blessed!!

Marshelle

April 18, 2018

Toni and Ashley,
Thank you for being the vessels that GOD used to change my life! I have been healthier and happier since becoming a runner after 50 thanks to #Blackgirlsrun. I am eternally grateful!
Jay, you are an amazing adminstrator and I am excited about what GOD is doing and what’s ahead. Count me in as #teambgr for life! Congratualtions and blessings of GOD to you!

Dee Foreman

April 18, 2018

Thank you Toni & Ashley for your vision and hard work to start this movement and touch so many lives! With your encouragement and leadership paired with the ambassadors and wonderful ladies of the group, I was able to see running in a new light and started my running journey in 2011 to become physically healthier and more mentally disciplined. I thank and appreciate you both for the opportunity to serve as a GRL and wish you many blessings on the next chapter of your journey.

Congratulations Jay Ell! I am looking forward to the next chapter of BGR! The #preservethesexy legacy continues!

Sonya Ransom

April 18, 2018

Thank you for the vision and journey . Welcome Jay Ell to leadership .

Krashenda

April 18, 2018

Thanks to both of you for starting a phenomenal movement and pushing all of us beyond what we thought we could do. I wish both of you the best and i am sure that we will continue to hear and see great things from you. Jay Ell we are behind you 100%! #preservetheSexy

Paulita

April 18, 2018

Thank you Toni and Ashley for starting this great movement. Wishing you much success in your future endeavors. Welcome Jay Ell’s.

Tammye Hughes

April 18, 2018

Thank you Toni and Ashley for the vision and the commitment to the cause of BGR throughout the years!! Continue to be Great and Do Great Things!! #preservetheSexy

Vera Barnes

April 18, 2018

Thanks Toni & Ashley for starting a great movement & given me the opportunity as a Run coordinator to help motivate movement on the Asphalt. I wish you two success in your next journey. Congrats Jay ELL, I look forward to working with & continuing to changing lives.

Kim Cabness

April 18, 2018

Toni and Ashley, you two are most amazing. Thank you for your time, support and vision. Gods got His hand on you.

Jay El….. Congrats on your new adventure.

Love you all

Natalie Johnson

April 18, 2018

Thanks Toni amd Ashley for the Great work you both done.May God continue to Bless you both. Congratulations Jay Ell looking forward to running with you and supporting your leadership. Natalie

Angela Bohles

April 18, 2018

Thank you Toni and Ashley for all of your hard work.

Lisa McClinton

April 18, 2018

Toni and Ashley, thank you both for empowering so many woman. I’m truly grateful I had the pleasure of working and serving under both of you amazing ladies. I wish you both the best in your future endeavors. JayEll, congratulations and I know you will continue the BGR legacy well! I’m happy and excited for you!!! BGR!!!

Millie Anderson-Taylor

April 18, 2018

Toni and Ashley I thank God for the vision in birthing BGR,through it all we’ve become family a sisterhood that has flourished. May God bless you Nubian Queens in your future endeavors….JayEll congrats and let’s get this party started.

Sierra Grigsby

April 18, 2018

Thank you is not enough!

You are the reason I’m on the pavement and have thousands of Sole Sisters.

Hugs, light and love.

Traci

April 18, 2018

Congratulations Jay Ell,
I absolutely loved working with you when I an Ambassador and know that you will rock as Owner and CEO of BGR!
Toni and Ashley, thank you for sharing your dream and passion with so many of us. Because of the mission, many of us are on the road to a healthier lifestyle and having fun while doing it.

God Bless!

Tomeka Forbes

Cindy Moy Bent

April 18, 2018

Toni and Ashley, Thank you for your vision, your leadership, the laughs, the love! I am forever grateful for the opportunity to know and work with you on the Black Girls RUN movement. All the best to each of you and your families in the next chapters. Keep on Preserving the Sexy! Smooches!😘.

Robin Canady

April 18, 2018

Thank you for your vision in helping women get healthy! This started as a running group but has become a sisterhood for many of us and for that we thank you from the bottom of our heart! Good luck on your future endeavours!

Tiffany

April 18, 2018

Congratulations Jay Ell!!!! You deserve this & I know you’re going to be amazing!!!!! 💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾

Jane A Smith

April 18, 2018

I just want to thank you. Black Girls RUN! has made a huge difference in my life.Wishing you much success in your future endeavors.

Ingrid

April 18, 2018

Thank you Toni and Ashley!

Ainka Joy Fulani

April 18, 2018

And what a legacy you pass on, Toni and Ashley! May you continue to toich lives and grow! I have no doubt that under Jay Ell’s leaderahip whatever the new iteration of BGR looks like it will thrive! I am excited to be a small part of it.

Montrece

April 18, 2018

Thank you both so much for starting this movement and igniting a passion in the lives of so many black women, including me!!! Your legacies are forever etched in our hearts, and I can’t wait to see what’s new on your horizons. Much love!!!